
Tokara Restaurant
An upscale rural restaurant in an iconic building, offering contemporary cuisine, fine wines, and unparalleled views of False Bay and Table Mountain.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Tokara Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale rural restaurant in an iconic building, offering contemporary cuisine, fine wines, and unparalleled views of False Bay and Table Mountain.
"This restaurant was a real culinary experience: taste buds, views, smells and impeccable service!"
Visit in Cooler Months
Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid discomfort from high temperatures.
Try the Wines & Olive Oils
Enhance your dining experience by sampling their local wines and olive oils.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Contemporary South African
Price
$$$
Phone
+27 21 885 2550
Address
R 310 Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Views
Dine with panoramic vistas of False Bay and Table Mountain, offering a stunning backdrop to your meal.

'Plaaskos' Cuisine
Experience refined farm-to-table dishes by Chef Caroline Coetzee, featuring home-grown organic produce.

Elegant Wine Tastings
Enjoy sophisticated Champagne and wine tastings in an adjacent conservatory or within the modern wine estate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit in Cooler Months
Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid discomfort from high temperatures.
Try the Wines & Olive Oils
Enhance your dining experience by sampling their local wines and olive oils.
Communicate Dietary Needs
Clearly communicate any preferences or dietary restrictions for a satisfactory dining experience.
Book in Advance
Due to its popularity, especially for lunch, booking ahead is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit in Cooler Months
Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid discomfort from high temperatures.
Try the Wines & Olive Oils
Enhance your dining experience by sampling their local wines and olive oils.
Communicate Dietary Needs
Clearly communicate any preferences or dietary restrictions for a satisfactory dining experience.
Book in Advance
Due to its popularity, especially for lunch, booking ahead is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tokara Restaurant is lauded for its absolutely stunning views and sophisticated ambiance, making it a memorable dining destination. While the 'plaaskos' cuisine and wine offerings are often praised for their quality and refinement, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food preparation and value for money. The attentive service and elegant setting contribute to an overall positive experience, though occasional issues with management or specific dishes have been mentioned.
"This was my first time at the restaurant and definitely will not be my last! The atmosphere and service are incredible and the food was delicious and perfectly considered for the private event I attended. After lunch, you can take a walk down to the wine farm and the views are breathtaking. Definitely a perfect place to visit if you enjoy a quiet and scenic environment."
Sheila Khaas
"Beautiful setting with amazing views over the valley. Service is fast and friendly, and even the food is good, it is probably not the most important attraction of the restaurant. Well worth a visit though."
Thomas Meyer
"A very swish winery. The menu is unusual and interesting with plenty of vegetable options. The mushroom starter with different flavours and textures was excellent as was the olive oil cake, with bits of crunchy olives and delicious ice cream.
The manager was gracious when I sent the corky wine back, offering a different bottle. Hats off to the gentleman who served the wine, allowing first a look at the bottle, a sniff and taste and then pouring the wine carefully to conserve the bubbles. The first time it's been served like this here in SA.
The fish of the day was overcooked though I asked for it rare, and tender. Again sent back and replaced with a less over cooked piece of fish. This dish was rather overloaded with foams and sauces, masking the flavours of the various items on the plate.
Overall, very good and I appreciated the graciousness of the staff. But the quality/price ratio is below what I would have expected."
Arti TROIANO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokara is known for its 'plaaskos' cuisine, a refined take on farm food, often featuring home-grown organic produce. Specific dishes mentioned include springbok tartare, seared gamefish, and olive oil cake.
Yes, Tokara offers wine and Champagne tastings, often enjoyed in their adjacent conservatory or around the modern wine estate.
Absolutely. The restaurant boasts stunning panoramic views of False Bay, Table Mountain, and the surrounding vineyards, especially beautiful at sunset.
Yes, Tokara offers vegan set menus and the á la carte menu often includes vegetable-forward dishes and options that can be adapted.
While not strictly defined, Tokara is an upscale restaurant, so smart casual attire is generally recommended to match the elegant ambiance.
One TikTok mentioned a play area and water feature that toddlers enjoyed, suggesting it can be family-friendly, though the overall ambiance is upscale.
The restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner, but it's advisable to check their specific operating hours as one review mentioned issues with late arrivals before closing.
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Cape Town's Most Breathtaking Vineyards For Wine Tasting
Tokara’s got some of the best views and most impressive architecture of all estates in the region. Owner GT Ferreira bought the estate in 1994, and has turned it into a modern architectural masterpiece. There are beautiful views of both False Bay and Table Mountain, a fine art gallery, celebrated restaurant, and the option to taste wines, brandies and olive oils.
Diners Club salutes top Western Cape winelists, Bushman’s Kloof judged best!
Interesting is the number of top Western Cape restaurants which did not enter the Winelist Awards, including Le Quartier Français, Pierneef à La Motte, Haute Cabriere, The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Delaire Graff Restaurant, Tokara, Overture, Jardine at Jordan’s, Waterkloof, Terroir, Bosman’s, The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club, Dear Me, Camphors at Vergelegen, Burrata, La Mouette, The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, Springfontein Eats, and The Kitchen at Maison. Many restaurants are linked to wine estates, which promote their own wine first and foremost. Top 5 star hotels such as the One&Only Cape Town, the Table Bay, Queen Victoria, Steenberg Hotel, The Alphen, and more were visible by their absence.
The 20 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch
Perched on a cliff overlooking a valley of vineyards all the way to False Bay, Tokara Restaurant is worth visiting for the views alone. Executive chef Carolize Coetzee (formerly Dornier Bodega, Simonsig Cuvée and Delaire Graff) delivers “refined plaaskos” (farm cuisine): elegantly plated, delicately balanced flavours of seasonal, home-grown ingredients. Lunch is à la carte, while dinner offers a five-course set menu (with the option to extend to seven) as well as a vegan set menu.
Eating #Stellenblog: 8 Places To Eat In Stellenbosch
Very often, restaurants with views like Tokara’s take it for granted that their stunning location will make up for their less-than-inspiring cuisine, which could not be further from the truth for Tokara. Overlooking red sand lined hills with green vines, set against an azure blue sky, the setting is the perfect backdrop to chef Richard Carstens’ thoughtful and light menu. His food is beautiful, delicious and relatively low-calorie.
The Top Restaurants In Stellenbosch You Must Visit
Perched atop the Tokara Wine Estate, Tokara Restaurant offers a panoramic dining experience that captures the breathtaking beauty of Stellenbosch’s landscapes. With sweeping views of vineyards and mountains, the restaurant’s setting is as captivating as its cuisine. The culinary philosophy at Tokara is centred around the concept of “estate-to-plate,” ensuring that the freshest ingredients are showcased in every dish.
Where to find authentic South African food in Cape Town and the Western Cape
Situated outside Stellenbosch, Tokara offers its guests chef Carolize Coetzee’s menu inspired by the South African countryside and farm produce. Serving pan seared springbok loin with springbok shank ‘pot pie’(R295) and many more other delicious dishes, they are offering these incredible meals every Wednesday to Saturday 12noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm. View this post on Instagram
Stellenbosch’s 15 Best Restaurants (And Must-try Dishes) 2025
Located atop the Helshoogte Pass, Tokara Restaurant offers breathtaking views along with its exquisite cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape. Head Chef Carolize Coetzee brings her creative flair to a menu that features a variety of options, from seared gamefish to Korean fried exotic mushrooms.
Stellenbosch wine farms
Tokara wine farm is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. Situated on the upper slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, the vineyard and olive grove offer breathtaking views of False Bay and Table Mountain. Thanks to the unique location, climate, geography, and soils, the grapes grown on the farm are of exceptional quality.
The Best Stellenbosch Restaurants on Beautiful Wine Farms
From their wines to their food and their olive oil, everything is simply tip-top. Tokara Restaurant, headed by Chef Caroline Coetzee, has consistently turned out some of the best food in the country, with her refined take on ‘plaaskos’ cuisine (farm food). Their á la carte menu features home-grown organic produce.
Time Out in Stellenbosch – Hiking Through The Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Heard Of
That’s how I felt one afternoon when, after finishing an amazing lunch at the world-renowned Tokara Restaurant I opted not to take a nap, but instead to put on my hiking shoes and venture out into the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful places I had never heard of before.
Drizzle and Dip My guide to eating out in Cape Town
The Tokara restaurant is now under the helm of Head chef Carolize Coetzee and the menu is produce-driven with ties to traditional South African cooking (recipes, ingredients, techniques). Tokara is a truly beautiful restaurant/wine estate with breathtaking views over Stellenbosch.
To eat - Wedgeview Country House and Spa
The restaurant, established in 2001, was renovated and came under new management in 2010. Multi-awarding winning chef Richard Carstens now leads the kitchen team. The à la carte menu changes every season, while daily specials offer something new and exciting to returning guests.
Dining Spots Around Stellenbosch Winelands
Situated on top of the Helshoogte Road, Tokara’s Restaurant offers terroir focused contemporary cuisine inspired by the South African countryside. These are paired with award-winning wines and dramatic views over Stellenbosch and False Bay. Tokara Restaurant Read More »
The 7 Best Wine Farms In Stellenbosch You Can't Miss!
The exceptional wine estate Tokara lies on the Simonsberg mountain and is home to the most beautiful vineyards since the 17th century. It offers unrivaled views over False Bay to Table Mountain and is the perfect place to go for a wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.
20 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch
In the kitchen of Tokara Restaurant, you will find head chef Carolize Coetzee. Although born and bred in South Africa, chef Carolize Coetzee goes all out to bring you world-class meals. The Tokara Restaurant draws its inspiration from farm-to-table cuisine.
Travel Itinerary: The Best of South Africa in 12 Days
Some other popular wineries in this region include Rust en Vrede, Delaire Graff Estate, and Tokara. (Just don't drink too much and drive, folks! Hire a driver for the day, or book a day trip from Cape Town if you really want to indulge.)
The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary for First Time Visitors
If you’re game for a third winery, I would recommend heading over to Stellenbosch to check out Tokara. Of all the wines I tasted in South Africa (and I tasted A LOT), this place had my favorites by far.
Jonkershoek Panorama Hike - And other Hiking Trails
For another great mountain hike in the Winelands, try hiking up Simonsberg from Tokara. Check out our Cape Winelands Highlights for other things to do, or find more hikes in South Africa.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants around South Africa.
Benguela Brasserie and Restaurant in Sedgefield is a child-friendly restaurant offering a fantastic children's play area, vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.
The best Eggs Benedict in Stellenbosch
The deli at Tokara is definitely worth visiting for many reasons - the views, an extensive kids play area and a well-stocked deli (with a great olive...
Sights in The Western Cape
Perched on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Tokara is the brainchild of banker G. T. Ferreira.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit